Hearty Beef Mince and Lentil Stew a Proper Comfort Food Classic

Q: What kind of lentils are best for beef mince and lentil stew? I only have red lentils on hand.

While you *can* use red lentils, brown or green lentils are generally better for this stew. Red lentils tend to break down more during cooking, which will thicken the stew, but it'll lose some of the chunky texture. Brown and green lentils hold their shape better, giving you a more visually appealing and texturally satisfying stew. But hey, if red lentils are all you've got, give it a go – it'll still be tasty!

Beef Mince Lentil Stew A Proper Comfort Food Classic

By Amara Vitalis September 26, 2025

4.29 (7 Ratings)

Table of Contents

Recipe Introduction

Fancy a proper hug in a bowl? Ever wondered how to make a meal that's both beefy and good for you? This beef mince and lentil stew is your answer! It's proper comfort food, innit?

Quick Hook

Remember those grey days? This recipe is like sunshine for your stomach. This beef mince and lentil stew is packed with flavour and goodness.

It is also proper simple to knock together! It's the perfect balance of hearty and healthy.

Brief Overview

This comfort food classic comes from the land of stews, us! This easy stew recipe is a doddle to make and requires about 1 hour 35 minutes, start to finish.

It serves 6-8 hungry souls. It's what your Nan would make, but maybe even better... shhh.

Main Benefits

Lentil stew with vegetables is a nutritional powerhouse! This recipe is chock full of fibre and protein. It's great for a chilly winter stew recipes evening or a family stew recipe .

The hearty lentil stew is special because it's dead easy to make. Honestly, even I can't mess it up! Plus, it makes your house smell amazing.

Ready to get started? Grab a pound (450g) of beef mince , some lentils, and let's get this show on the road!.

This ground beef and lentil recipe is begging to be made. This minced beef stew is all you need. You can also find more beef mince recipes online, but trust me, start here.

Ingredients & Equipment for the Perfect Stew

Alright, let's talk about what you'll need to make a stonking beef mince and lentil stew. It's easier than finding a decent parking spot in London, honestly.

This ground beef and lentil recipe will warm you right up!

Main Ingredients Breakdown

Olive oil: 1 tbsp (15 ml). Any kind will do, innit.
Onion: 1 large, chopped (around 200g ). Brown onions are great!
Carrots: 2 , chopped (around 150g ). Adds a touch of sweetness.
Celery: 2 stalks, chopped (around 100g ). Don't skip this; it boosts the flavour.
Garlic: 2 cloves, minced. The fresher, the better.
Beef Mince: 1 lb (450g). Look for good quality mince with around 15-20% fat for the best flavor.
Dried Thyme: 1 tsp . Earthy goodness!
Dried Rosemary: 1 tsp . Piney and aromatic.
Smoked Paprika: ½ tsp . Adds a lovely smoky depth.
Diced Tomatoes: 1 (14.5 oz) can, undrained (411g). Don't drain them.
Beef Broth: 4 cups (950ml). Use good quality stock.
Brown or Green Lentils: 1 cup (200g), rinsed. Green lentils hold their shape better.
Bay Leaf: 1 . Don't forget to take it out before serving!
Tomato Paste: 2 tbsp (30 ml). Adds richness.
Worcestershire Sauce: 1 tbsp . Secret flavour weapon!
Potatoes (optional): 1 cup (250g) chopped. Yukon Golds are lovely.
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

Quality Indicators: Honestly, for the beef mince, just try to grab the freshest looking stuff. If it smells a bit off, bin it! And for the stock, a good quality one really makes a difference.

Seasoning Notes: Spice Up Your Life!

For this beef mince and lentil stew , I usually go heavy on the thyme and rosemary. It makes it so comforting.

If you're feeling a bit adventurous, a pinch of chili flakes gives it a nice kick. You know?

Essential Spice Combinations : Thyme + Rosemary is a classic!
Flavor Enhancers : Smoked paprika or a dash of chilli for that kick.
Quick Substitutions : If you don't have thyme or rosemary, mixed herbs will do in a pinch.

Equipment You'll Actually Need: No Fancy Gadgets!

You don't need a kitchen full of fancy gear for this hearty lentil stew.

Large Dutch oven or heavy bottomed pot: This is key for even cooking.
Cutting board: To chop your veggies, obviously.
Sharp knife: A decent knife makes all the difference.
Wooden spoon or spatula: For stirring.

Household Alternatives : No Dutch oven? A big pot will do! This easy stew recipe is super forgiving.

So there you have it! All the bits and bobs for the perfect beef mince and lentil stew. I reckon it’s a perfect recipe for the winter stew recipes , or really anytime you need a classic comfort food classic ! Get in there and get cooking.

Alright, let's get cracking! A proper beef mince and lentil stew ... a classic, like a good episode of Only Fools and Horses .

You know, I once tried to make this after watching an episode, and let's just say it was more "Lovely Jubbly" than "Del Boy's Dinner".

Here's a recipe outline that'll have even Del Boy lining up for seconds:

Prep Power: Getting Ready for Your Stew

Essential mise en place is key. Chop your onion, carrots, and celery. Mince that garlic. Rinse your lentils. Honestly, getting this done before you start cooking saves you a headache later.

I learned that the hard way, trust me!

Time saving organization tips? Chop veggies while the kettle boils for a cuppa. Multi tasking, innit! Also, measure out your spices beforehand.

It stops you from accidentally adding a whole tablespoon of smoked paprika. Oops !

step-by-step: Stew pendous Simmering

Sauté Aromatics: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in your pot. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes .
Add minced garlic, cook until fragrant. This is the flavour base, so don't rush it!
Brown the Beef: Add 1 lb beef mince to the pot. Cook, breaking it up, until browned. Drain off any excess fat. Nobody wants a greasy stew!
Spice it Up: Stir in 1 tsp dried thyme, 1 tsp dried rosemary, ½ tsp smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Get those flavours mingling.
Stew Time: Add 1 can diced tomatoes, 4 cups beef broth, 1 cup rinsed lentils, 1 bay leaf, 2 tbsp tomato paste, and 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce.
Stir well. Chuck in the optional 1 cup chopped potatoes now too.
Simmer: Bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for at least 1 hour . The longer, the better! Stir occasionally.
Adjust and Serve: Remove the bay leaf. Taste, adjust seasoning. Garnish with fresh parsley. Serve hot.

Pro Tips: Level Up Your Lentil Love

Want the best beef mince and lentil stew ever ? Here's some insider info:

Don't overcrowd the pot when browning the beef. Do it in batches! You will get a better, caramelized flavour on your ground beef and lentil recipe.

Common mistakes to avoid? Not seasoning enough! Taste as you go. The hearty lentil stew will thank you.

make-ahead option? Absolutely! Winter stew recipes taste even better the next day. The beef mince and lentil stew can be made a day or two in advance! It's perfect as a family stew recipe .

The flavors will deepen, creating a comfort food classic that the whole family will enjoy. It's also an easy stew recipe .

There you have it! A recipe outline ready to be transformed into a hearty and comforting beef mince and lentil stew .

Now, off to the kitchen we go, like Trigger trying to order a coffee! You know what I mean?

Recipe Notes for Your Perfect Stew

Right then, let's talk about how to make this beef mince and lentil stew absolutely banging . Honestly, a comfort food classic like this is all about the little things.

I swear, a few simple tweaks can take it from good to Oh my gosh, that's amazing!

Plating Like a Pro & Perfect Pairings

Fancy schmancy plating isn't really my thing. But, you know? A nice bowl, a sprinkle of fresh parsley, maybe a dollop of sour cream.

..that's all it needs. For sides, crusty bread is a MUST. Get some good bread to mop up every last drop of that delicious broth.

A simple green salad also works. Something to cut through the richness of the beef mince and lentil stew . A pint of bitter also does the trick.

Storage Secrets

If you have any leftovers, this hearty lentil stew keeps like a dream. Once cooled, pop it in an airtight container and stick it in the fridge.

It'll be good for 3-4 days . Fancy freezing? You definitely can! Let it cool completely, then portion it into freezer safe containers.

It'll last for up to 3 months . When reheating, either microwave it or gently heat it on the hob. You might need to add a splash of water or broth if it's thickened up too much.

Switching It Up

One of the great things about this minced beef stew is how adaptable it is. Got someone who's veggie? Just swap out the beef mince recipes with some veggie mince.

And of course use vegetable stock instead of beef stock. Easy peasy! For a seasonal twist, chuck in some squash or sweet potato during autumn for some added sweetness.

You can make a lentil stew with vegetables with any type of vegetables. Any sort of easy stew recipe

Nutritional Nitty Gritty

Okay, I'm no dietitian. But, broadly speaking, this family stew recipe is pretty good for you. We're talking protein from the beef mince and lentils .

Fiber from the lentils . Loads of vitamins from the veggies. Plus, it's filling! We're looking at about 350-450 calories per serving.

Loads of protein and fibre, not so many fats.

So there you have it! Some extra tips and tricks to make your beef mince and lentil stew truly special.

Trust me, get in the kitchen and you're guaranteed a winner. Now, off you pop and get cooking! You've got this.

The winter stew recipes are just getting started, get a hearty lentil stew going.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I freeze this beef mince and lentil stew? I'd love to make a big batch for easy dinners.

Absolutely! This beef mince and lentil stew freezes brilliantly. Let it cool completely before transferring it to freezer safe containers or bags. It'll keep for up to 3 months. When you're ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat thoroughly on the stovetop or in the microwave Bob's your uncle!

What kind of lentils are best for beef mince and lentil stew? I only have red lentils on hand.

While you can use red lentils, brown or green lentils are generally better for this stew. Red lentils tend to break down more during cooking, which will thicken the stew, but it'll lose some of the chunky texture.

Brown and green lentils hold their shape better, giving you a more visually appealing and texturally satisfying stew. But hey, if red lentils are all you've got, give it a go it'll still be tasty!

Is there anything I can add to make my beef mince and lentil stew a bit more exciting?

Crikey, yes! Loads of things. For a bit of a kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some chopped chili. You could also try stirring in some chopped chorizo for a smoky flavour. Some people add a splash of red wine while the beef is browning to deglaze the pan like a proper chef!

Don't be shy about adding a squeeze of lemon at the end to brighten it up.

How can I make this stew healthier? It sounds delicious, but I'm trying to watch my waistline!

No worries, you can easily make this stew healthier without sacrificing flavour. Use lean beef mince (5% fat or less), and drain off any excess fat after browning. You can also bulk it up with more vegetables like chopped zucchini or bell peppers.

Consider using vegetable broth instead of beef broth to reduce the sodium content. If you're a real health guru, switch out the white potatoes for sweet potatoes.

My beef mince and lentil stew is too watery. How can I thicken it up?

A few options here! Simmering it uncovered for a bit longer will help some of the liquid evaporate. Alternatively, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a little cold water to form a slurry, then stir it into the stew and simmer for a few minutes until it thickens.

For a rustic approach, mash some of the lentils against the side of the pot to release their starch proper hearty, that is!

Can I make this beef mince and lentil stew in a slow cooker or Instant Pot?

You bet! For a slow cooker, brown the beef mince and sauté the vegetables as instructed, then transfer everything to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. For an Instant Pot, use the sauté function to brown the beef and vegetables, then add the remaining ingredients.

Cook on high pressure for 25 minutes, followed by a natural pressure release for 10 minutes before releasing any remaining pressure manually. Either way, it's a doddle!